In a statement, Will Manzer, chairman of the OIA’s board of directors and former CEO of Eastern Mountain Sports said Americans spend almost twice as much on outdoor play than they do for medication and the outdoor industry support supports twice as many as jobs as the oil and gas industry.
“Outdoor recreation is a growing American industry that produces significant economic benefits,” Manzer said in the statement.

The outdoor industry touches nearly every spectrum of the country’s economy, including product development, manufacturing, marketing, sales and public land management as well as the service and tourism industries that support vacationers pursuing outdoor fun.

The OIA survey reports that 140 million Americans every year pursue outdoor activities, and 65 percent of Colorado residents participate in outdoor recreation every year. (Which goads the obvious response: Thirty-five percent of Coloradans don’t play outside?!)

“Outdoor recreation is good for the American economy and our future,” said OIA chief Frank Hugelmeyer in the association’s statement. “When we invest in the nation’s network of public lands and waters, we are protecting and enhancing outdoor experiences for the benefit of the thousands of businesses, communities and families whose livelihoods depends on the outdoor recreation economy.”